Chapelle d'Ausone, St Emilion Grand Cru, 2019
The Chapelle d'Ausone 2019 is a refined and elegant wine that reflects the quality and precision of its legendary estate, Château Ausone, in the Saint-Émilion appellation. As the second wine of the estate, it offers a glimpse into the exceptional terroir and craftsmanship that define Ausone, showcasing both power and grace in equal measure. The wine displays predominantly dark fruit notes —blackberries, black cherries, and plums—balanced by delicate floral touches of violet and lavender. As it develops in the glass, aromas of sweet spice, toasted oak, and a subtle hint of graphite emerge, adding layers of complexity.
critic reviews
A blend of 60% Cabernet Franc and 40% Merlot, the 2019 Chapelle d'Ausone is deep garnet-purple in color. Lifted notes of black raspberries, redcurrant jelly, and blackberry preserves waft from the glass, followed by hints of unsmoked cigars, baking spices, and violets. The medium-bodied palate is plush and juicy, with loads of fragrant layers and a lively, perfumed finish.
The 2019 Chapelle d'Ausone has a taut nose, a mixture of red and black fruit, quite marine influenced with a tang of Japanese nori. The palate is medium-bodied with chewy tannins, fine depth though not the most powerful Saint-Émilion, compensating with admirable elegance on the finish. Very fine. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting.
A blend of wine from young vines with a few barriques of declassified Ausone (though anything that doesn't make the grade is sold off in bulk), the 2019 Chapelle d'Ausone exhibits attractive aromas of cherries, sweet berry fruit, violets, spices, rose petals and pencil shavings. Medium to full-bodied, velvety and seamless, it's elegant and refined, with a deep core of fruit and impeccable balance.